BJP Demands Bhagwant Mann’s Resignation Over ₹5 Cr Allegation
Opposition seeks independent probe as NHRC asks Punjab government, DGP to investigate claim involving CM’s wife
- BJP has demanded Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann’s resignation over the allegations.
- NHRC has sought an Action Taken Report from the Punjab government and DGP within two weeks.
- Gurpreet Kaur has denied the allegations and served a legal notice on retired Justice Ranjit Singh.
- Congress and Shiromani Akali Dal have also sought clarification and an independent investigation.
GG News Bureau
Chandigarh, 23rd Aug: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has joined opposition demands for the resignation of Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann following allegations that his wife, Gurpreet Kaur, sought ₹5 crore to suppress a rape case.
The allegations have triggered a political controversy after the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) took cognisance of a complaint and directed the Punjab Chief Secretary and Director General of Police to investigate the matter and submit an Action Taken Report within two weeks. The matter has also been forwarded to the Women Safety Division of the Union Ministry of Home Affairs.
BJP leader Iqbal Singh Lalpura described the NHRC notice as a serious development and said that “nothing less than an independent investigation” would be appropriate.
The complaint reportedly refers to a statement by retired Punjab and Haryana High Court Justice Ranjit Singh, who allegedly stated that ₹5 crore was sought in connection with a rape case involving the Chief Minister’s wife. The allegations remain unsubstantiated and are currently subject to inquiry.
Gurpreet Kaur has rejected the allegations and issued a legal notice to Justice Ranjit Singh, seeking a response within 24 hours and warning of legal proceedings if he fails to comply. The Aam Aadmi Party has described the allegations as baseless and politically motivated.
The controversy has also drawn reactions from the Congress and Shiromani Akali Dal. Punjab Congress president Amrinder Singh Raja Warring said the Chief Minister should clarify the allegations, while SAD leaders have called for an independent investigation and demanded Mann’s resignation.
NHRC member Priyank Kanoongo said the Commission would consider further action after receiving the state government’s report. The inquiry is expected to establish the facts surrounding the allegations and determine whether any interference in the rape case took place.
